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Different Paths to College Success: The Impact of Massachusetts's Charter Schools on College Trajectories

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah R. Cohodes
  • Astrid C. Pineda

Abstract

The charter school movement encompasses many school models. In Massachusetts in the 2010s, the site of our study, urban charter schools primarily used "No Excuses" practices, whereas nonurban charters had greater model variety. Using randomized admissions lotteries, we estimate the impact of charter schools by locality on college preparation, enrollment, and graduation. Urban charter schools boost all of these outcomes. Nonurban charter schools raise college enrollment and graduation despite reducing state test scores and AP enrollment. Notably, the nonurban charter college graduation edge is more than twice as large as that from urban charter attendance.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah R. Cohodes & Astrid C. Pineda, 2026. "Different Paths to College Success: The Impact of Massachusetts's Charter Schools on College Trajectories," American Economic Review: Insights, American Economic Association, vol. 8(2), pages 160-178, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aerins:v:8:y:2026:i:2:p:160-78
    DOI: 10.1257/aeri.20240391
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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